reaction

/rɪˈækʃən/
noun★Intermediate— response to a stimulus or event
general

A response to a stimulus, event, or situation.

Her reaction to the news was one of shock and disbelief.

She was shocked and disbelieving when she heard the news.

💡

Can refer to physical, emotional, or chemical responses.

technical

In chemistry, a process in which substances interact to form new substances.

The reaction between sodium and water produces hydrogen gas.

When sodium comes into contact with water, it creates hydrogen gas.

💡

Often used in the context of chemical equations and laboratory experiments.

Collocations

reaction timethe time it takes to respond to a stimuluschemical reactiona process where substances change into new substancesreactionarysomeone who opposes change and favors traditional values

Related Phrases

knee-jerk reactionphrase
an immediate, often irrational response
chain reactionphrase
a sequence of reactions where each step triggers the next

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'reaction' can vary widely depending on the context, so pay attention to the surrounding words.

⚡Gold Rule

Chemical vs. Emotional

In chemistry, 'reaction' refers to a process; in everyday language, it often refers to an emotional or physical response.

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'réaction', from Latin 'reactio', meaning 'a doing again' or 'a response'.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as emotional or chemical reactions.

Word Breakdown

re-
again
prefix
+
-act
to do
root
+
-ion
the state of
suffix
English Dictionary